Prime Minister Hon. Hu’akavameiliku visited Timaru Boys High School, which he attended in 1988, during his visit to the Canterbury region in New Zealand's South Island, this week.

“Stuff” reported that the Tongan Prime Minister acknowledged the significant role Timaru and Timaru Boys’ High School had played in making him, what he is today.

He was warmly welcomed with a special event that included a kapa haka, Tongan songs and dances, as well speeches over shared lunch on 19 July.

With about 150 guests attending, he recalled fond memories and expressed amazement at how much the Tongan community had grown in South Canterbury.

“The choice of Timaru, I can say with confidence was the right choice.”

The PM also remembered how he saw snow for the first time and going skiing in Aoraki/Mt Cook. He played in the First XV rugby team and was runner-up for Dux.

“As one of four Pasifika students who attended the school then, its amazing to see the Pasifika presence growing in the Timaru community,” he said.

Tongan Society South Canterbury

Tongan Society South Canterbury general manager, Sina Latu said it was their intention to have the kids run the day, with a mako dance from the society’s male youth, a tau’olunga from the young girls and a song with all the children.

"It’s good to dream big, you never know what you will become when you work hard and focus.”

There were also words from Timaru District deputy mayor, Steve Wills as well as TBHS Old Boys Association president Don Garland.

This year, the association has been fundraising for disaster relief following the volcanic eruption and tsunami in January in Tonga.

In addition, the PM's old rugby coach, Grant McFarlane and fellow First XV player from the 1988, Gavin Miller, were also in attendance.

He was a role model then, it’s not surprising he’s done well for himself, McFarlane said.

“It’s been fantastic for Siaosi to come back to the school."

Tongan workers and farms

The PM also met with Tongan communities in Christchurch and Ashburton.

He also visited the University of Canterbury and Etu Pasifika and held discussions with latter on the health program's continued assistance to Tonga.

Visits were also made to the Silver Fern Farms and Alliance Farms, where he discussed support for Tongan employees and future cooperations, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The PM travelled to New Zealand, after attending the Pacific Islands Leaders Forum Meeting in Fiji.